Moving companies in Wakefield, MA.

Local services and rules

Moving to Wakefield: who to call and what the city asks.

When a residence in Wakefield is sold or transferred, the local fire department must inspect it for carbon monoxide alarm compliance and issue a Certificate of Compliance. Wakefield Fire inspections are by appointment on Wednesdays. The blue trash containers belong to the Town and must be left at the residence when ownership or tenancy changes. Wakefield also has no all-night winter parking ban, though one may be instated during snow and other weather emergencies.

Right-of-way dumpster permit and parking passes

A temporary dumpster placed in the road or blocking a sidewalk needs a permit from the Public Works Engineering Division. The right-of-way dumpster permit requires a Certificate of Insurance from the dumpster contractor and a $75 fee.

Merchant and resident parking passes can be obtained online through the Town's permitting system. Town bylaws also restrict pushing snow onto the street or sidewalk.

The Everbridge e-Alert System

The Town and the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department use the Everbridge e-Alert System to announce snow-related parking bans, emergency utility interruptions and boil-water notices.

The Town also keeps a New Resident Resources page covering the Everbridge alert system, trash and recycling, voting, schools, the Senior Center and the library.

Water and sewer bills and final readings

Water and sewer service is billed quarterly, in January, April, July and October. Ninety-one percent of the Town of Wakefield's water is supplied by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA).

When selling a house, a final water bill is requested by calling 781-246-6305. Final readings are done on Tuesdays and Thursdays and must be scheduled at least one week ahead.

Republic Hauling and the blue bins

Republic Hauling is the Town's waste management contractor and empties the blue trash bins with mechanical arms. The Town assigns each single-family household a municipal trash collection container, and bins should be at the curb by 7 am on collection days.

Recycling is mandatory for households that receive Town refuse collection, and free recycling stickers are available at Town Hall.

Bulky-item stickers, white goods and mattresses

Bulky items such as couches, chairs and tables need a $20 sticker, sold at Town Hall and Hart's Hardware (442 Main St.). Bulky-item pickup does not need to be scheduled, but is limited to two items per week on regular trash days.

Municipal pickup of bulky items, TVs and white goods is only available at residences with 4 or fewer units. White goods such as refrigerators, stoves and dryers are picked up one week each month at $20 per item, with a sticker.

Mattress pickup is scheduled directly with HandUp online or by phone at 774-271-8744; the fee is $60 and no sticker is required.

Nahant Street yard waste site and other drop-offs

The Nahant Street yard waste site needs an annual permit, available to Wakefield residents only. The permit costs $25 and must be renewed annually. Residents can drop off scrap metal at the Nahant Street Yard Waste site for free with no permit.

Reading and Wakefield co-host hazardous waste collection days for residents of the two towns. Wakefield has textile drop-off bins at each public school through Bay State Textiles.

Dog licenses, tax bills and the Galvin Middle School polling place

Dogs six months or older must be licensed annually. Dog licenses cost $10 for a neutered or spayed dog and $20 for an intact dog, from the Town Clerk.

Wakefield residents vote at the Galvin Middle School, 525 Main Street.

Property taxes and personal property taxes are due four times a year, with three mailings. Motor vehicle excise is billed for the entire year by the community where the vehicle is principally garaged as of January 1.

Wakefield Public Schools, Beebe Library and The Link

Wakefield Public Schools serves K through 4 at the Dolbeare, Greenwood, Walton and Woodville elementary schools. The district offers an online New Student Registration form for enrolling students into the current school year.

Anyone can get a Beebe Library card with valid identification and proof of current address. Valid cards from other NOBLE libraries are accepted in Wakefield.

The Link is a free, on-demand, all-electric regional shuttle serving Wakefield and Reading. The Cable Advisory Committee helps the Town Council negotiate contracts with Wakefield's cable providers.